Graduate Information

Graduation ceremonies are, by their very nature, festive occasions. The festivity manifests itself in many ways, including the dress of the students and faculty adorned in academic regalia and the warmth, joy and satisfaction of accomplishment. The ceremonies are also a solemn occasion; the actual conferring of degrees signifies long, hard work on the part of everyone involved: students, faculty, administrators, parents and spouses. As a consequence of the serious nature of the ceremony, students are expected to maintain a measure of decorum consonant with the occasion. So that all families can hear the announcement of each graduate’s name, please limit the length and decibel level of celebratory response. Graduates are expected to return to their seats after receiving their diploma and to remain seated for the rest of the ceremony. Family and guests are asked to remain seated for the entire ceremony, refraining from leaving their seats in order to take pictures or to talk to graduates.

Please note these additional rules:

• View the complete list of restricted items
• No alcohol or illegal drugs are permitted in or around the venue. Graduates who appear to be under the influence of either will be removed from the lineup and will not participate in the ceremony.
• Candidates should not chew gum or tobacco.
• Air horns or other noisemaking devices are not permitted by graduates or guests and will be confiscated. Balloons and banners are not permitted inside the venue.
• Candidates should not have personal belongings in their possession during the commencement ceremony.

Student participation in the commencement ceremonies is optional. Should a graduate choose not to participate, it will not impact their graduation status or eligibility.

All graduates must register through the Tassel site, regardless of if you choose to participate in the commencement ceremony.

Students who wish to participate in a Commencement ceremony must have all degree requirements met by the time of the ceremony. Students may monitor degree progress by checking their Academic Requirements Report in GullNet.

For more information on graduation eligibility, please visit the Office of the Registrar's page.

All graduates must register through the Tassel site, regardless of if you choose to participate in the commencement ceremony. All eligible graduates have received an email to their Salisbury email address with login information.

Make sure to check your junk email if you do not see it in your inbox.

What is Tassel?

• It allows you to register for commencement online, which is REQUIRED for participation in the ceremony
• Obtain e-tickets for your guests
• Gives you the ability to record your name to ensure it is pronounced correctly on your big day
• Allows you to be shown on the big screen as you receive your diploma and have your name displayed

How to Access Tassel & Register for Commencement:
Once you're eligible to participate, you'll receive an email from commencement@salisbury.edu via Tassel inviting you to register. Only those eligible to participate have been sent this email and have access. Registration ends on April 20.

How many tickets will I receive?
Each graduate is eligible for up to four tickets for the undergraduate ceremony. Each graduate is eligible for up to five tickets for the graduate ceremony.

How do I print/email my tickets?
Part of registering with Tassel is claiming your guest tickets. Graduates will receive an email in late April when claimed tickets become available. At that time, when you log in to Tassel, you will see a red button that says Print/Email Tickets. You can choose to email your tickets to your guests or print a copy for them. Each e-ticket will be affixed with a unique barcode that will be scanned for entry into the venue. Each ticket will only be able to be scanned once.

As a graduate, you do not need a ticket for yourself, but each of your guests (including children over two years of age) will need a ticket to enter.

When will I know whether I received the additional requested tickets? 
Graduates will receive an email in late April, after the commencement ceremony registration closes, regarding the status of their additional ticket request.

QUESTIONS?
For additional commencement details, please visit salisbury.edu/commencement or contact us at commencement@salisbury.edu.

The Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will be held outside at Sea Gull Stadium, rain or shine. Heavy rain will not cause the ceremony to be cancelled.

The University will provide indoor locations on campus that will stream the event for guests who do not have a ticket or for guests who would like to sit inside to view and join their graduate after the ceremony. No tickets are required for the indoor viewing areas, located in the Main Arena of the Maggs Physical Activities Center and the Assembly Hall of Patricia R. Guerrieri Academic Commons.

The ceremonies will be livestreamed. The broadcast may be viewed on the main Commencement page and will automatically start 10 minutes before the ceremony.

Candidates for graduation must purchase and wear Salisbury University cap and gown (regalia), adhere to the regalia guidelines, and comply with related processes in order to participate in the ceremony. Degree candidates may not wear borrowed regalia.

The cost of regalia is $70.00 for bachelors and $76.00 for masters regalia.

In-person orders for caps and gowns is February 16-19 at the SU Bookstore.

To order your cap and gown online, please visit the SU Bookstore website. Payment will be due upon order placement.

Shipping is available to students meeting any of the following criteria: 1) studying abroad; 2) enrolled in classes at a satellite campus; 3) interning out of the lower Delmarva region; or 4) enrolled in online classes and not living in the lower Delmarva region.

Cap and Gown pick up is scheduled for April 13-16 in the SU Bookstore.

Students will also have the opportunity to take cap and gown portrait photos at the Cap and Gown Pick-Up Fair at the Bookstore on April 13-16. Photos will be taken by GradImages. There is no charge for the portrait session, and there is no obligation to purchase a portrait package.

Shipping of cap and gown is available to students meeting any of the following criteria: 1) studying abroad; 2) enrolled in classes at a satellite campus; 3) interning out of the lower Delmarva region; or 4) enrolled in online classes and not living in the lower Delmarva region. Please contact the Bookstore (bookstore@salisbury.edu) for more information.

Commencement is a formal academic occasion and should be viewed as such in dress and demeanor.

The following guidelines are provided to help you prepare for your Commencement ceremony. Graduates choosing not to abide by these guidelines will not be allowed in the venue and may be escorted from the ceremony.

• Regalia may show part of your clothing underneath. Recommended dress is similar to what you would wear to a formal interview.
• Shorts are not permitted.
• Spiked heels are not permitted.
• Dress shoes are suggested. The stairs/ramps to the stage are steep; please keep this in mind when considering heel height.
• The gown should be mid-calf.
• No jewelry is permitted on or over the gown.
• No flowers are permitted on the academic robe. Flowers may not be carried.
• The mortarboard (academic cap) should be worn with the front point over the forehead below the front hairline, so the flat board is parallel to the floor.
• Undergraduate students earning Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) wear an honors cord. Latin honors cords are distributed to eligible students with the cap and gown.
• Candidates for the bachelor’s degree enter the stadium with the tassel on the right, hanging near the right eye. After the degrees are conferred, graduates will be invited to shift the tassel to the left.

Dress for the weather

Check the forecast and dress accordingly. You will be outside for hours.

Rain ~ Cold

• Gowns are large enough to accommodate a jacket or rain poncho underneath.
• The Stadium can be cool and breezy. Consider an under layer for warmth.
• The gowns may not be colorfast. Be mindful clothes could get stained if the gown gets wet.
• Wear comfortable and appropriate footwear. You will be walking up/down a steep ramp, and standing in grass and turf. Conditions may be slippery and muddy.
• Spiked heels are not allowed. Only low heels, flats, and/or wedges will be permitted on the field.

Sunny ~ Warm

• The gowns are maroon. There is no protection from the sun at the stadium. Consider an outfit made of light breathable fabric.
• Wear comfortable and appropriate footwear. Spiked heels are not allowed. Only low heels, flats, and/or wedges will be permitted on the field.
• Wear sunblock!

Professional photographers will take photos of graduates as diplomas are awarded. Graduates will receive graduation photo information from GradImages (www.gradimages.com). A proof with ordering details will arrive at your permanent address within two to four weeks after commencement.

GradImages will also take cap and gown portrait photos at the Cap and Gown Pick-Up Fair at the Bookstore; dates are forthcoming. There is no charge for the portrait session, and there is no obligation to purchase a portrait package.

GradImages offers 20% off an order of $50 or more when you pre-register your contact information. To pre-register, visit https://www.gradimages.com/registration.

*Please note that registering with GradImages does not replace the need to register with Tassel. All graduates must still complete their registration for Commencement through Tassel.

To ensure that each graduate is able to fully participate in commencement, graduates with physical disabilities needing assistance, please notify us through the Tassel system by April 20.

The Salisbury University Alumni Office is acknowledging our legacy families with reserved seating during the May 2026 commencement. If you have a parent, step-parent, guardian, or grandparent who graduated from Salisbury, you are a legacy student.

Please indicate on Tassel if you are part of a legacy family

Graduate Ceremony: You should arrive at Maggs by 5:00 p.m. Allow ample time to park your vehicle and get to the venue. Carpooling is recommended as parking delays are expected. Graduates should NOT bring personal property to graduation. You will not be permitted to carry personal items during the ceremony.

Undergraduate Ceremony: You should arrive at Sea Gull Stadium by 7:00 a.m. It is important to allow ample time to park your vehicle and get to the venue. Carpooling is recommended as parking delays are expected. Graduates should NOT bring personal property to graduation. You will not be permitted to carry personal items during the ceremony.

Problems with caps and gowns can be corrected on the day of the ceremony by SU Bookstore employees at the venue.

It is important to know your school or college as it will determine your line-up location. When you enter the venue, look for the colored signs designating your school/college. There will be SU staff located throughout the venue to help direct you. When you arrive at your line-up location, you will need to check-in to get your line-up card. Faculty marshals will be there to guide you every step of the way - line-up, the processional, crossing the stage, returning to your seat, and the recessional.

Graduates are awarded degrees by school or college. Graduates are awarded diplomas individually. Faculty marshals will give graduates a card with your name, degree and Latin honors, if applicable. When it is time to cross the stage, graduates will hand their card to the designated staff member on the stage. Information on the card is prerecorded and must not be changed for any reason.

All graduates receive a diploma cover at commencement. Diplomas are mailed to your permanent address approximately six weeks after the ceremony to allow SU time to certify you have met all graduation requirements. For questions about your diploma, please contact the Registrar’s Office at 410-543-6150 or registrar@salisbury.edu.

Majors are not listed on Salisbury University diplomas, but they are included on official transcripts.

Students with an outstanding account balance will not receive diplomas or transcripts until the balance is paid in full. Contact the Cashiers Office ( cashiers@salisbury.edu) for more information.

As part of an ongoing effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable event, Salisbury University will adhere to strict policies regarding allowable items into the facility.  Please review these policies in advance, paying particular attention to bag and signage restrictions.

• View the list of prohibited items